The Consulate General’s “Bridging Through Books” donation program in celebration of Filipino-American History Month continued in New Jersey with simple turnover ceremonies at Bergenfield Public Library and the Five Corners Public Library in Jersey City on Oct. 20, 2017.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega with Cultural Officer Olive Magpile turned over Philippine history books, books on Rizal, and bilingual Filipino-English books to the libraries in the presence of members of the Filipino-American Community the localities.

At the Bergenfield Public Library, the books were turned over to Library Board President Tom Neats and Library Director Allison Moonitz.

The turnover was likewise witnessed by members of the Filipino-American Community who also currently serve in the local government of Bergenfield — Councilors Arvin Amatorio and Salvador Deauna, Education Board Member Anthony Cortez and his spouse, and Library Board Trustee Cely Deauna.

Jersey City Library, headed by Board President Kurt Harris, accepts the book donations from Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega. (Photo by NYPCG)

The Jersey City donation took place in the presence of Library Board President Kurt Harris and Library Director Susan Stewarts.

Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro and members of the Filipino-American Community in Jersey City were on hand to witness the simple turnover.

Both libraries expressed appreciation for the book donations noting that their readership has become more diverse in the last few years and they are striving to build more inclusive and broader resource collections.

Both institutions likewise hold regular storytelling sessions for young visitors and bilingual books in Filipino and English are welcome additions to their collections.

From left, Jersey City Library Board President Kurt Harris, Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Library Director Susan Stewart, and Filipino Community members Linda Mayo and Elsa Porto. (Photo by NYPCG)